The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom in Around the World in 80 Books

Aug 18, 2008 Kay rated it really liked it

Shelves: biogr-memoir, science, nonfiction, eccentrics, world-civ, china

As I read this book, I couldn't help thinking of a Broadway tune written back in 1917 called "China - We Owe a Lot to You." Part of it goes:

"Chin-a , way out in Asia Mi-nor
No country could be fi-ner
Be-neath the sun.
You gave us silk to dress our lovely women in
‘Twas worth the price
And when we couldn’t get potatoes
You gave us rice
We mix chop suey with your chop sticks
You’ve taught us quite a few tricks
We never knew
We take our hats off to one thing we’ve seen
Your laundries keep our country clean
Chi ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Jun 04, 2012 Joy rated it it was ok

A stodgy tome about a strange man who had an obsession with China. Would I read it again? No. Would I advise you read it? Not particularly. I picked up the book accidentally, thinking it was more about China, a huge misunderstanding on my part. I finished it because it was an audio book, and I was trapped in my car with little else to entertain me. I was driving through Nebraska at the time, so "entertain" is simply another way of saying "things that were not corn or Jesus."
...more

Like · see review

Aug 06, 2011 Mike rated it really liked it

I found this a wonderful story and inspiration. After having lived in Greater China for the last 20 years, listening to this highlighted some of the major differences in attitudes and culture that have happened due to events in the last 100 years. Of course the main Needham question and the value of Needham's research to humanity is stunning in itself, but add in the human drama, and even a bit of a romantic tale, made this a wonderful read! ...more

Like · see review

May 19, 2008 Jessica rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, china, travel, biography, audio

Another fine example of Winchester's smooth style and knack for small-scale narrative biography, although a bit thin in sharing the conclusions and consequences of Needham's massive epic - some more explication here would have helpfully rounded out the story for the large segment of Winchester's readership not eager to take on the 20+ volume classic to read for themselves. ...more

Like · see review